Need help/Model 12 Win. 16 Ga. slide

[Gary Conner]

Guys and gals, I need some advice bad. I refinshed a model 12. Serial No. said it was made in 1915. I did not take the trigger group apart.
Here is my problem. For the past 30 years I have used this gun, the slide action always allowed you to fire, eject (without unlatching the release behind the trigger) rack in another round, and keep going.

Now, the gun is acting different. Sometimes, it works normally. Then, sometimes, after firing it (dry, which I know I am not supposed to do) you have to pull the forearm slightly foreward, in order to release the bolt, eject, and rack in another round.

What did I do wrong in putting this back together? All parts (according to the takedown instructions) are in place.

Any help would be very much appreciated.
Gary

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Nothing you describe is wrong

As I read your description you find a difference between live-fire and dry fire. This is correct and normal for the Model 12.

Surprisingly enough in live fire with a hand on the forend the gun works as a pump. Given the locked breach simulating recoil in which the gun moves backward by pushing the forend relative to the gun is appropriate for dryfire.

Dry firing will likely eventually fracture the firing pin retractor in the top of the bolt. There is a pin hole in the firing pin retractor that will act as a stress riser - there is an obvious risk to a broken firing pin retractor.

 

[Gary Conner]

Thanks a lot!

ClarkL
Thank you very much for the info. I have not fired any shells out of it since I put it together, and it has been a while since I shot the gun.

I will test it out soon as I can. Again, thanks a lot, because I was worried I reassembled it wrong, but could not figure it out.